TRIBUTES have been paid to a former council leader who has died aged 90.

Ruth Mayes was a familiar face around the Braintree district throughout her life.

She was a dedicated member of the Labour Party, serving as chair of the Saffron Walden constituency and chair and president of the Halstead branch of the party for many years.

Mrs Mayes became a Halstead town councillor in 1974 and served on the council until her retirement in 2003.

Braintree constituency Labour Party chair Malcolm Fincken paid tribute to her.

“People knew that if they had a problem they could always rely on Ruth to sort it out,” he said.

“She took a particular interest in housing and was always keen to help people out with their housing problems.”

Born in Halstead in 1928, Ruth was destined to follow her father Bert Lock, who had been a Halstead urban district councillor and Halstead mayor, into local politics.

Mr Fincken said: “It was her proudest achievement when she followed in her father’s footsteps to become mayor of Halstead for 1988-89 and she became mayor again from 1996-97.

“Ruth was elected to Braintree District Council, representing Halstead Trinity Ward, at its inception in 1974 and served continuously for 29 years, retiring in 2003.

“Her dedication to housing issues led her to join the housing committee, of which she later became chair.

“She achieved the distinction of being elected as chair of Braintree Council for 1998-99.

“On one memorable occasion Ruth spoke at the Labour Party’s annual conference.

“Naturally she made a passionate speech about the subject dearest to her heart – housing. “

In her final years, Mrs Mayes was looked after at Blackthorns Residential Care Home in Halstead.

Mr Fincken added: “She still loved to reminisce about her life of service to the town of Halstead which she loved.

“She was a larger than life character who did so much for Halstead and she will be much missed.”